Greta Thunberg and 11 other activists were intercepted by Israeli forces while aboard the aid boat Madleen, en route to Gaza. In a pre-recorded video, Thunberg said they were “kidnapped in international waters” and urged pressure on the Swedish government for their release.

The group arrived in Ashdod on June 9 and underwent medical checks. They were then taken to Ben Gurion Airport for deportation. Some left Israel within hours, while those refusing to sign deportation papers faced legal proceedings.

Israel dismissed the mission as “Instagram activism,” claiming the boat carried less than a truckload of aid. A government spokesperson argued that real humanitarian efforts come through official channels. The Freedom Flotilla, which organized the mission, said a previous vessel was damaged by drones off Malta, blaming Israel for the attack.